TRIA Orthopaedic Center Your Cycling Blog

Minneapolis (Jan. 12, 2010) – Six races sprinkled throughout the United States will comprise the 2010 Nature Valley Pro Ride, the qualifying events for amateurs to earn a trip to compete against the country’s top men and women professional bicycle racers at the Nature Valley Grand Prix.

The Nature Valley Pro Ride will select the top amateur men and women to become part of a pair of composite Nature Valley Cycling Teams for the 12th annual edition of the premier stage race on the 2010 USA Cycling National Racing Calendar. The 2010 edition of the Nature Valley Grand Prix, held in East Central Minnesota and Western Wisconsin, runs June 16-20.

Nature Valley Pro Riders who are invited to compete in the Nature Valley Grand Prix earn free entries to the race, generous travel stipends, team clothing, housing, ground transportation, and staff support for their composite teams. They will also receive pro-level recognition before, during and after the events, including pre-race call-ups and participation in promotional and media appearances.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an amateur to receive a ‘battlefield promotion’ to compete with the top professionals,” Nature Valley Grand Prix Executive Director David LaPorte said. ”Since its inception 11 years ago, the Nature Valley Grand Prix has emerged as the top women’s bike racing event and one of the top men’s races in the U.S.. The Nature Valley Pro Ride gives top U.S. amateurs a chance race in front of huge crowds, to be noticed by pro team managers and potentially to receive a pro contract.”

Hillsboro-Roubaix and the Bear Mountain Spring Classic return from the 2009 Nature Valley Pro Ride calendar, as does the San Luis Rey Road Race, which is partnering with the Barrio Logan Grand Prix to add a qualifying criterium this year.

Rock Hill Spring Races Promoter Kim Deacon said becoming part of the Nature Valley Pro Ride marks a high point in his 30 years of organizing the event.

“The prestige of being invited to affiliate with such a prominent event as the Nature Valley Grand Prix enhances not only our racer draw and participation, but also the recognition and importance of our race in the Southeastern U.S. racing calendar and in our local community,” Deacon said. “We have always prided ourselves for putting on a first-class and tough bicycle race. The recognition we are receiving from the Nature Valley Pro Ride is a nice confirmation of our work.”

Hillsboro-Roubaix Road Race (April 10), Illinois: This challenging road race (87 miles for men, 58 miles for women) rumbles through the brick streets and rural roads about an hour’s drive northeast of St. Louis.

Rock Hill Spring Bicycle Races (April 10-11), South Carolina: The omnium format event combines the Old Town Criterium with the Patriots Trail Road Race (67 miles for men, 30 miles for women) that is run around historic Brattonsville, a “Living History” village near Charlotte, N.C.Cherry Blossom Cycling Classic (May 15), Oregon: A multi-stage race (four races in three days) set in the Portland area, the Nature Valley Pro Ride invitation will be based on the final overall standings. Bear Mountain Spring Classic (May 15), New York: Set in Harriman State Park, the second largest state park in New York, this 110-mile road race for men and 48-mile race for women is promoted by the Century Road Club Association, one of the oldest bicycle racing clubs in the nation.

Barrio Logan Grand Prix/Mark Reynolds San Luis Rey Road Cycling Classic (May 1-2), California: The two days of racing in the San Diego area include a 75 minute criterium for the men and a 50 minute criterium for the women, followed by an 88-mile road race for men and a 59-mile road race for women.Mt. Hamilton Road Race/Memorial Day Criterium (May 30-31), California: One of the longest running bike races in San Jose, Calif., the road race (55 miles for men, 36 miles for women) climbs 4,500 feet in 20 miles over Mt. Hamilton, the highest peak in the Bay area, on a course that is part of the 2010 Tour of California. The criterium is run over a one-mile course in the Morgan Hill Business Park. This will be the amateurs’ last chance to qualify for the 2010 Nature Valley Pro Ride.

About the Nature Valley Grand Prix

The Nature Valley Grand Prix, which takes place in Eastern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin, is the premier stage race on the 2010 USA Cycling National Racing Calendar. The 2010 race will include stops in Saint Paul, Cannon Falls, Minneapolis, Menomonie, and Stillwater. The Nature Valley Grand Prix is a volunteer-run event, with all proceeds donated to Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, the festival’s benefiting charity. More information can be found at: www.NatureValleyGrandPrix.com.

About Nature Valley

Nature Valley, the brand that created the granola bar category in 1975, brings variety to healthy, active consumers looking for wholesome and great-tasting snacks. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Nature Valley is part of General Mills, a leading global manufacturer and marketer of consumer foods products. For more information, visit www.NatureValley.com.